Ihmisarvo

Ihmisarvo, or human dignity, is the inherent worth and equal importance of every human being. It is a foundational ethical and legal concept that underpins human rights, shaping how individuals should be treated and protected from abuse, degradation, and discrimination. As a principle, ihmisarvo implies that persons should never be used merely as means to an end and must be respected as ends in themselves.

In Finland, ihmisarvo is deeply embedded in the legal order. The Finnish Constitution (Perustuslaki) treats human dignity as a core value of society and as the basis for fundamental rights. The constitution guarantees basic rights and equality before the law, prohibits degrading treatment, and prohibits discrimination on grounds such as sex, ethnicity, nationality, religion, opinions, or other status. While ihmisarvo is not always listed as a separate right, it underlies the interpretation and application of rights in Finnish law.

Internationally, the concept is echoed in major human rights instruments. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. Regional instruments, such as the European Convention on Human Rights, also protect individuals from treatment that would undermine their inherent dignity.

Impact and use of ihmisarvo include guiding judicial decisions, policy formulation, and public administration to ensure respectful, non-discriminatory treatment in areas such as justice, social welfare, education, and healthcare. It remains a central reference point in debates over equality, freedom, and the limits of state power.